Ahkello Witherspoon and 3 other Rams who are playing themselves off the team

DB Ahkello Witherspoon

While I lobbied hard for the team to re-sign veteran defensive back Ahkello Witherspoon, I admit that the 2024 version is nothing like the 2023 version that started for the team. Witherspoon was the late-season signing to help out and eventually take over for former Rams veteran DB Tre'Davious White. But reports out of the Baltimore Ravens indicate that the team and fans are thrilled with Tre'Davious White's performance.

Ahkello Witherspoon has only allowed one touchdown this season. But in terms of completions, pass break-ups, tackles, and missed tackles, he is only a shell of his former self. The Rams appear to have hit the bullseye on their safety depth. But Witherspoon's disappointing production is the second veteran to miss the mark in 2024. Is the problem deeper than just two unwise FA signings?

OT Joe Noteboom

While I have been a supporter of swing tackle Joe Noteboom in a backup offensive tackle role for the team, I admit that 2024 has eroded even my confidence that he can get the job done. Per the statistics at Pro Football Focus, Noteboom played 97 snaps and allowed two quarterback sacks. If you factor in all of his downtime due to injury, the situation grows much darker. Had he played the 265 offensive snaps of his teammate, Warren McClendon Jr., his sacks allowed would be at six or greater.

The problem right now is that McClendon is not much better.

With starting right tackle Rob Havenstein aging and becoming more injury-prone, the front office has to make offensive tackle a priority in the 2025 NFL Draft. In the meantime, the Rams will simply need to make do with the players on the roster for now.